PHIL PARKINSON is looking forward to Wrexham playing in front of bumper crowds after Reds supporters finally saw their side in action for the first time in nearly 17 months.

Wrexham had fans present at a game for the first time since March 2020 on Saturday and they were backed by a large travelling contingent for the pre-season friendly against Tamworth at The Lamb Ground.

And supporters, who formed a large percentage of the near-1,200 crowd, were not disappointed, as the Reds won 5-0 in a one-sided contest.

Wrexham, having seen Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds complete their high profile takeover at The Racecourse in February, can expect huge home attendances and big away followings when they kick off a 14th season in non-league with a home match against Yeovil Town on Saturday August 21.

Parkinson was impressed with the backing his side received against Tamworth and that has merely whet the appetite.

"Playing in front of our supporters was good," said Parkinson.

"It just adds a lot more to the game playing in front of your supporters; that is what it is all about.

"What a great turn out. It is pre-season and a fair old trip down for our supporters but I think they go away relatively pleased with what they have seen.

"I don't think there are many clubs at league level that would bring so many supporters down for a pre-season friendly.

"It is great for the lads. There is nothing better than to play in front of a crowd. It just lifts you in terms of adrenalin.

"It was great to see them and I am looking forward to the many more times when we get the grounds full with our supporters home and away."

Wrexham registered a routine victory against their Southern League Premier Division Central hosts.

Tyler French opened the scoring after less than 30 seconds and Jordan Ponticelli quickly made it 2-0.

Dior Angus bagged a brace after the break to go with a strike from a trialist, and Parkinson was pleased with what he witnessed on the whole.

"It was a good work-out for us," said Parkinson.

"I thought the first 35 minutes of the first half were good and the last 10 minutes we gave away a few cheap free-kicks which invited the ball into our box and is going to be their strength.

"We came here with a little bit of apprehension with the surface because we hadn't had a chance to train on it so the aim was to get through injury-free with a good performance and I feel we've done that.

"We have got to be careful of that.

"We gave a lot of players minutes; a lot of the lads who have been isolating got some minutes so all-round it was a good day.